Griffith Littlehale on The Benefits Of Joining A Writing Community
Griffith Littlehale writes as both a meditative practice and a serious craft. Even though the writing process is best accomplished alone with your thoughts and imagination, it doesn’t have to be lonely. When writers isolate themselves, the goal is to be productive. But, there are times when being in the company of fellow writers is not only beneficial but necessary.
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3 Reasons to Join a Writing Club
1. Fellowship and Networking
Since it is unlikely you will casually find writer friends by chance, Griffith Littlehale believes that joining a writing group is a concrete step toward being around like-minded people. Networking with other writers will not only bring opportunities to life and build your own reputation, but it is also another avenue to find inspiration.
Especially when you’re experiencing writer’s block, fellowship with other writers is a good way to overcome those writing challenges. If your writing starts to feel stale, your fellow writers are the perfect bunch to point you in a new and exciting direction.
2. Advice and Honest Critique
The best way to become a proficient writer is by writing R whenever you can and wherever you can. To become a better writer, you must be able to take honest criticism from those whose advice you trust. A writing critique from others will not only put fresh eyes on the subject but will also remove any emotional attachments the writer has to their characters.
Advice from other writers within the group should improve your writing, even if you don’t agree with the plot twist. The point is to open your own mind to the new possibilities that a storyline can take, even if you choose to follow your own unbeaten path.
3. Motivation and Accountability
Every writer has experienced it! The dreaded white page and the seemingly impossible task of filling it with even one sentence. Instead of going into panic mode, allow one of your fellow writers to give you some motivation and inspire you to keep working.
Once you establish a closer relationship with other writers, you may consider going into an accountability agreement with them. This means both you and the other person will support each other and make sure each is keeping their writing commitments. At the very least, you want your accountability partner to make sure you are making some progress, no matter how small.
Wait a little while before committing to this type of writing relationship. It must be someone you trust and someone whose words matter to you. Also, you want to avoid anyone who motivates you with negativity.
What Keeps You Writing?
More than anything, Griffith Littlehale suggests you find that muse or whatever keeps you writing. Some writers can simply set a schedule and stick to it. Others may need to feel creative or motivated about a subject to really write well. For some, writing energizes them, and for others, writing makes them feel exhausted.
If it’s a beach, a coffee shop, a crowded bus, or a quiet hideaway, find out what keeps you writing. No matter where you live in the continental United States, you will likely find an in-person writer’s club to join. If not, there are thousands to be found on the internet.